[bobolink46]

the home we are interested in (Wisteria) has a great floor plan but the living room is dark becuase it has no windows. Does the Villages permit the installation of skylights. I know the solar tubes are okay but I really want something that lets in more light.

[golfnut]

Don't count them out, I think you will be amazed at the amount of light that comes in through a solar tube.

[JoC]

I was wondering if there's a way that's convenient to dim the solar tubes if you don't want them so bright from time to time. Do they come with a remote control kind of shade?

[golfnut]

When would you not want light in the room???

[l2ridehd]

Solor tubes let in light. A lot of light. Skylights let in heat and light. BIG difference. I know you can get lenses for them to change the shade and brightness, not sure if they can be moved in and out.

[golfnut]

Skylights I've had in the past did not let in heat, they were double pane/low-e.

[redwitch]

I have a skylight in my kitchen. I don't feel that it is any hotter than the other rooms. I love it!

[l2ridehd]

I also like skylights. However even low E windows (skylights) let in more heat than a solar tube. They are better than regular glass, but heat does come in. No the room should not be any hotter, but your AC will work harder than if your light came from a solar tube. Therefor more energy use.

[retiredguy]

My wife thinks solar tubes are "goofy looking" on a home. We currently have skylights. We don't notice any more heat in the house at all or heat eminating from the skylight. Could be because we have high ceilings. But they look great. If you are going to have air conditioning on in FL anyway, why not skylights !

[F16 1UB]

We've got 2 skylights in our KY home. Once sold and and we move to our house in Hadley we'll definitely have solar lights. I think they even illuminate a room with a full moon. Not that full moon handiecast. Geesh!!!

F16

[bobolink46]

Okay, this has turned into skylights vs solar tubes but my question is "Can I install a skylight in a home in the Villages?

[villages07]

Bobo,

I believe the short answer to your question is "yes"...I have seen some traditional skylights around.

Then, the question becomes...do you have to get architectural review board approval to install them? One would think not, but, picture someone installing a really large or tall skylight. Wouldn't hurt to call the Deed Compliance office and get the official answers to your question(s).

FWIW, my vote is for solar tubes.... we have a south front and no front windows other than a bedroom. The dining room and part of the living room were a bit dark. The Solar Tube was amazing in how much natural, bright light it brought in. And, yes, you can see the moon glow at night. I had a traditional skylight 'up North' ....issues with the lens discoloring, leaking, and I did sense that it let in extra heat.

[Ooper]

Bobo... we had 3 solar tubes installed. You can't look at them they are so bright in the middle of the afternoon. And Yes... when you turn the lights off at night, the tube is bringing in light from the moon and stars. I don't think you need special permission for the sky lights, but I would certainly check out the solor tubes.

[Conehead]

Sky lights let in light, heat, wood and carpet fading light and water when they start leaking........ and they will leak sooner or later!!

[handieman]

Originally Posted by F16 1UB

We've got 2 skylights in our KY home. Once sold and and we move to our house in Hadley we'll definitely have solar lights. I think they even illuminate a room with a full moon. Not that full moon handiecast. Geesh!!!

F16

You really think I'd light up a room with a full moon? I think not
Handie